Fab four from Josh Parry in a big win for Barnstaple Town at Brislington

Josh Parry scored all four goals for Barnstaple Town in a powerful victory at struggling Brislington to move Barum within two points of the Western League play-off positions.

Barum were forced into some early defending before Gabby Rogers’ header brought the home ‘keeper into the game. Proceedings then slowed into a midfield trudge, Brislington breaking the shackles with the opening goal on 38 minutes.

Parry took personal offence, drawing his side level with a fantastic strike just before the interval. There was plenty of physicality in the Brislington approach, earning the hosts a flurry of bookings, but Barum were gaining control of the game.

Substitute Ryan Keates and Parry both went close before the man of the moment grabbed the lead on 69 minutes, racing clear from a Brodie Montague pass to finish in style.

Barnstaple then took control in the closing stages, Parry completing his hat-trick after a clever nod-down from Luke Mortimore, and his perfect day was rounded off with a fourth from another Rogers’ corner.

Barnstaple travel across Devon to Sidmouth in midweek, a tough fixture at the surprise package side of the Western League campaign.

Bideford AFC suffered a morale-sapping 2-0 loss at fellow Southern League strugglers Melksham Town. Finn Roberts threatened with an early strike for the Robins tipped over the bar and there was plenty of encouragement in the opening quarter, Ryan Turner heading narrowly wide.

Melksham, now under new management, gradually found their rhythm and snatched the lead through Jamal Lawrence nine minutes before the break.

The Robins were unlucky to be behind and came out full of aggression, Jack Winsor flashing a deflected effort narrowly wide. Javan Wright then forced an outstanding save from the home custodian, as Bide frustration grew.

Roberts pinged an effort into the side netting as Bideford threw everything at their hosts, but Melksham stood firm defensively and then struck the killer blow with a second from Lawrence on the counter.

After a midweek visit from high-flying Shaftesbury, Bideford travel to Willand Rovers for a massive Devon derby, with both sides struggling in the bottom four. Willand were beaten 2-0 at a muddy Bashley on Saturday.

Torrington battled to a 1-0 win over Middlezoy Rovers in the South West Peninsula League, while Torridgeside lost by the same scoreline at Bishops Lydeard. A late goal from Ollie Stevens gave Ilfracombe Town a relieved 2-1 triumph over bottom club Axminster.